Pests are commonplace in many parts of Australia. Besides, damage to property, their infestations in residential and commercial properties can also result in diseases and disorders. Some pests spread allergies and diseases through their skin shedding, fur, droppings and other bodily fluids. Read this blog to know more about health disorders and illnesses that are inadvertently caused by pests in residential and commercial premises:
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Rats
Rats and mice, for example, are well-known human disease carriers. They can introduce Hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella into our homes. Through their urine, saliva, and droppings, these pests also contaminate food, water, and surfaces. They spread pathogens that cause severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and systemic infections. Not only can rodents directly harm human health, but they can also indirectly attract other pests like ticks and fleas, which can spread disease. Therefore, controlling rodent populations, sealing entry points, and keeping environments clean are crucial measures in preventing rodent-related illnesses.
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Cockroaches
Cockroaches are pests that are associated with unclean and unsanitary conditions. These pests are responsible for the spread of a number of allergies, illnesses and health disorders. They can survive in different environments. These insects have the ability to carry allergies, viruses, and bacteria on their bodies and in their excrement. Contaminants carried by cockroaches can cause skin diseases, allergies, plague, dysentery, typhoid cholera etc. Moreover, allergens in these pests have been connected to asthma in children. These bugs can have a permanent negative impact on our health since they can get into our homes and leave behind dangerous chemical residues.
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Pest birds
Birds can be a major nuisance in residential as well as commercial premises. Pest birds host fleas, ticks, mites etc. More than 40 different kinds of parasites can be found on birds, in their nests, or in the areas where they sleep. They transmit hundreds of bacterial and viral agents and disease-spreading contaminants. Pigeons harbour diseases-spreading pathogens which if inhaled can cause Cryptococcus neoformans, and other life-threatening lung infections. Bird droppings can carry airborne bacteria, fungus, and parasites that can harm people's health. Birds can also cause diseases such as avian tuberculosis, E-Coli, Salmonella, Ornithosis, Bird fanciers lung, and many more. Pigeon droppings also contain fungus that trigger Histoplasmosis.
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Ants
The health concerns spread by ants are not as major the ones spread by other pests. However, they transmit fungi and bacteria that can lead to dangerous illnesses. Ant venom passed on through bites and stings can cause allergies and hypersensitivity can result in severe symptoms and health issues. Their stings give rise to lesions. Food that gets contaminated by germs can cause illnesses such as Salmonella, Shigella, and E. Coli.
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Mosquitoes
In order to obtain blood, mosquitoes bite the skin of both humans and animals. Their bite can lead to the spread of a wide range of illnesses, some of which are lethal. The Chikungunya virus, which also causes dengue and yellow fever, are spread via the sting of an infested female Aedes mosquito. Ross river virus and Zika virus are also diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria is another disease impacting red blood cells that can turn fatal if left untreated.
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Termites
Termites are not just responsible for property damage but also can transmit a number of diseases among people in the premises. One can contract allergic reactions and contact dermatitis if they come in contact with termite droppings. Termites can attract mould on wooden structures and furniture which in turn can trigger allergic reactions, migraine, runny nose, conjunctivitis and chronic asthma. People with a poor immunity also can experience chronic lung diseases by way of contact with mould spores.
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Fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks can come into your premises through infested objects, baggage and pets. The harm they can cause to both pets and humans should not be underestimated. Lyme disease is a common disease caused by fleas which can trigger fever, joint pain, and neurological issues if left untreated. Tapeworm, tick paralysis, murine typhus are some other diseases that can make your furry friends sick.
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Flies
Since they are drawn to garbage and rotting materials, flies are excellent vectors for bringing viruses from unhygienic settings into our homes and food supplies. Due to the bacteria and viruses they come into touch with during feeding, they can spread illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, and food poisoning. When humans consume contaminated food or water, it can cause a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. These pests can be found in animal sheds, food stores, hospitals, restaurants etc.
Protect your loved ones from pest issues:
- Pests are attracted to moisture sources. Stagnant water, leaky plumbing, drainages, pools and bird feeders are major sources of moisture for pests. Eliminate them alongside fixing leakages in pipes, roofs and faucets to keep off cockroaches, rodents, ants and other pests.
- Do not leave pet food outside. Clean out the areas where your pests are fed. Store their food in tight containers and avoid leaving them out over the night.
- Seal gaps in siding, walls, fencing, basements, flooring and other such places in the property with steel wool or wire mesh. This will eliminate any possible access points or entryways for pests such as rodents, ants, termites, cockroaches, mites, spiders, bed bugs etc. to enter inside.
- Shake and air out the mattresses, bedding and linen regularly. This will prevent any chances of mould, bed bugs and dust mites. Ventilate the rooms well so there is no possibility of moisture retention.
- Inspect the vegetation in your property and trim the overgrown branches, shrubs and bushes as these help pests enter your house easily.
- Keeping the indoor as well as outdoor premises clean is key to maintaining a pest-free home, office or business.
Although they are frequently written off as minor nuisances, pests can seriously harm our health and wellbeing. The uninvited visitors, such as rodents carrying dangerous bacteria and mosquitoes transmit deadly illnesses, unintentionally bring in a variety of diseases that can hurt both people and animals. Opting for professional consultations with a certified pest controller or exterminator can keep off harmful pests from your premises.